oh I am excited to share this post with you guys today - my custom lighting. Ok so it may not as fancy as that sounds but I did have my own chandeliers and shades installed in my new small space and I am super happy with the result. As a renter, I know I can do some small things to make my space feel more personal and comfortable and changing out the "not very me" lighting that came with the apartment was one of them. I have actually never done this before in other units I've lived in but since this was such a special move, I decided to go for it. And aside from personalizing my space, the new lighting gave more balance, which is my fave small space tip (see more in the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK about lighting design)

Through a few friend referrals, I found a great handyman (see #7 here) and he helped me hang the lights and my curtains as well as completing some ikea projects. (if I finished them, I surely would have way too many nuts & bolts leftover :) For a little over $100, I was able to get all of these small details accomplished in an easy and affordable way. I figured I would give up a splurge (like mani/pedi's for 2 months) to get this stuff done - totally worth it!

My second custom lighting change was the hallway light, also an ugly light in the same family of the dining room fixture. Down it came and up went a $5 lighting plate that I bought at Home Depot. I already had my Tord Boontje Midsummer shade (see it here) but needed a lightbulb in place before I could place it up there. I am *seriously* happy to see it here and love how it reflects off the mirror - very cool!

Placing my own lighting in my new small space is definitely one of my fave a small move details. I definitely recommend it in your own home - renter or owner. It costs a little bit of $ and it really makes you feel good - I say go for it!

Check out more little details in my new small space right here in A SMALL MOVE. And check back in this week when I reveal my biggest DIY project to date - making my very own headboard.

Hi Rebecca, I've been a fan of yours from Apartment Therapy for a while and now I just discovered your blog, which I'm very pleased indeed to find. Living small is the best and I have to say, really loving all the information you supply and research you put into each post is evident. Thanks, Kevin Beer

OMG cute place! Love the deco details... Sometimes I want to rent a girlie apartment just to decorate it with my galpals and have tea in there... Can you imagine? That's the kind of stuff I wish for. SO PG.